In Central London, where many of the world’s most powerful companies have office space, having the right amenities and services can be a necessary luxury to occupiers whose employees spend all day working inside.
Imagine having your dry cleaning dropped off, your next flight booked, and even your child care lined up, without leaving your desk. Enter the workplace concierge, which takes office perks to the next level.
In an emerging workplace trend, landlords and companies are offering hotel-like concierge services to help employees balance their work and personal lives.
For instance, per a 2013 Financial Times article, a senior executive working at an energy trading company in a London office building was able to book tickets for the Belgian Grand Prix by way of the building’s concierge. With workers in the office at all hours of the day (and sometimes at night), a concierge can be a game-changer, often arranging help for important life tasks such as car repairs and errands.
Indeed, companies, especially tech firms, are beginning to hire individuals with hospitality and client services backgrounds who can ultimately provide a high-level experience inside the workplace.
“Technology companies are looking for people who have a focus on hospitality,” says Erica Stricker, a managing director within CBRE. “They are now bringing in teams with experience in five-star hotels or boutique resorts because they offer a level of service that will differentiate them from other technology providers.”